First gubernatorial debate scheduled

Looks like our three major gubernatorial candidates will face off for the first time later this month.

Organized by the Vermont Natural Resource Council and moderated by Rutland Herald opinion page editor David Moats, the debate is scheduled for July 20th at 5:30 p.m. at the Lareau Farm in Waitsfield.

The official PR is below:

VNRC Co-Hosts First Gubenatorial Debate of 2008

Focus will be on Environment, Food

Montpelier— Vermont’s three major gubernatorial candidates will square off in their first formal debate of the 2008 election to discuss some of the most important issues for Vermonters today, including the environment, energy, food and farming.

The debate among the three hopefuls — Republican incumbent Jim Douglas, Democrat Gaye Symington and Progressive Anthony Pollina —will take place on July 20 at the Lareau Farm (next to American Flatbread) in Waitsfield. The debate begins at 5:30 p.m. and is co-hosted by the Vermont Natural Resources Council, American Flatbread Company and Vermont Localvores.

“This debate will focus on some of the issues Vermonters care about most: Creating walkable, vibrant communities, building a strong homegrown food and farming system, keeping our farms and forests productive and wild, and reducing the growing burden of energy costs on Vermonters by expanding efficiency and renewable energy opportunities,” Courtney said. “With that information, Vermonters can decide for themselves who is the best choice in November to lead us into the future.”

“The debate will also focus on food and agricultural policy,” said George Schenk, founder and owner of American Flatbread Company. “Vermonters are increasingly interested in where our food comes from, how it’s grown and processed, and its effect on the well-being of the environment and our health.”

David Moats, the Pulitzer-prize winning editorial page editor of the Rutland Herald will moderate the debate.

Immediately following the debate, guests can mingle with the candidates as well as their friends and neighbors over a scrumptious feast of American Flatbread, local greens and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.(Flatbread and drinks will be available for purchase; ice cream and salad is complimentary.) Childcare will be provided free of charge during the debate. The Anthony Santor jazz trio will play music during dinner.

The Lareau Farm is located on Route 100 in Waitsfield at the home of American Flatbread. Attendance at the debate is free and all are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more details about the debate, please visit the Calendar of Events at www.vnrc.org or call 802-223-2328.